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Stabilization of Black Phosphorus by Sonication-Assisted Simultaneous Exfoliation and Functionalization
Maart van Druenen1,2,3, Timothy Collins1,2,3, Fionán Davitt1,2,3
1School of Chemistry, Environmental Research Institute &, Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork, Cork, T12 YN60, Ireland.
Chemistry (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|October 2, 2020
Summary
Researchers developed a new method to protect black phosphorus (BP) from degradation. This simultaneous exfoliation-functionalization process enhances BP
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Chemistry
Background:
- Black phosphorus (BP) exhibits exceptional properties but suffers from poor ambient stability.
- Functionalization is a key strategy to enhance BP's stability while retaining its desirable characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simultaneous exfoliation-functionalization process for black phosphorus.
- To improve the ambient stability of few-layer black phosphorus (FLBP) flakes.
Main Methods:
- Employed a tetrabutylammonium salt for BP intercalation, yielding large lateral dimension flakes.
- Introduced aryl iodide or aryl iodonium salts during exfoliation for in-situ functionalization.
- Utilized scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for characterization.
Main Results:
- Achieved a scalable strategy for producing functionalized few-layer black phosphorus (FLBP) flakes.
- Demonstrated significantly enhanced ambient stability for functionalized BP, lasting up to one week.
- The simultaneous process minimizes exposure to ambient oxygen and water, crucial for protection.
Conclusions:
- The developed simultaneous exfoliation-functionalization method effectively enhances the ambient stability of black phosphorus.
- This approach offers a scalable route for producing robust, functionalized BP for various applications.
